VYPE U: All Houston College Team presented by Wells Fargo

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THE COLLEGE BOYS

Dozens or Houston-Area Alums are Leaving Their Mark at the College Level

By Matt Malatesta

@vypehouston

OFFENSE

QUARTERBACKS

Chuckie Keeton, Utah State, Cypress Creek -- Keeton nearly shocked Auburn at Auburn in Utah State's opener a year ago. Very effective before getting hurt.

RUNNING BACKS

Tim Cornett, UNLV, North Shore -- Will be the school's leading rusher for the past three seasons. That hasn't happened in more than a decade. Great combo of size and speed.

Donovonn Young, Illinois, Katy -- Started several games as a freshman and is their short yardage back. He fits right in the Big 10.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Mike Evans, Texas A&M, Galveston Ball -- Coming out of Galveston Ball, Evans was a last-minute add for the Aggies recruiting class. Look like he's gonna pay off as he uses6-foot-5 hoops skills to box out defenders.

Darius Johnson, SMU, Hightower -- Aside from being the MVP in SMU's last two bowl games and an first-team all-conference selection, the Hightower alum is tough as nails going across the middle.

DeAndrew White, Alabama, North Shore -- White is one of A.J. McCarron's top targets with his speed and size.

Others of Note: Devante Davis, UNLV, North Shore; Christian Jones, Northwestern, Westfield; Jordan Leslie, UTEP, Tomball; Russell Shepard, LSU, Cy Ridge

TIGHT END
Jordan Najvar, Baylor, Klein Oak -- After signing with Stanford, Najvar returned to Texas after one year and has been Art Briles' starter for two seasons. He's great in the middle of the field.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Cameron Fleming, Stanford, Cy Creek -- The 6-foot-6 lineman received All-Pac 10 honors a year ago, protecting Andrew Luck's backside.

Trey Hopkins, Texas, North Shore -- Hopkins received high kudos as a true freshman and earned himself some starting snaps. He now is a mainstay on the Longhorn line

Jake Matthews, Texas A&M, Elkins -- Genetics, will, football savvy, pedigree. Whatever you want to call it, Matthews has it.

Others of Note. Brenel Myers, Boise State, Westfield ; Ivory Wade, Baylor, Friendswood

DEFENSE

DEFENSIVE LINE

Damion Square, Alabama, Jack Yates -- Square hasn't disappointed at Alabama as he is the next in line to anchor coach Nick Saban's defense.

David King, Oklahoma, Strake Jesuit -- King is repping the Houston-area private school well at OU.

Jon Lewis, TCU, Klein Oak -- Lewis played significant snaps as a true freshman and will only get better with experience.

Others of Note: Kendrick Payne, Cal, Klein Forest; Michael Sam, Missouri, Strake Jesuit; Terrance Lloyd, Baylor, Stratford; Keba Agostinho, Kansas, Katy Taylor

LINEBACKERS

Will Ebner, Missouri, Friendswood -- Ebner is as steady as they come. He's battle through injuries and has had a great college career.

Alonzo Highsmith, Arkansas, Elkins -- Returned an interception for a touchdown versus LSU. After going the Juco route, he is one of the top backers in the SEC.

Shaun Lewis, Oklahoma State, Hightower -- Lewis is a sideline to sideline athlete, who should be NFL-bound.

Others of Note: Cam Nwosu, Rice, Klein Forest; David Nwubuisi, Northwestern, Episcopal

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Brodrick Brown, Oklahoma State, Westfield -- The best corner of the bunch. He got on the map withSportsCenter Top 10 play.

Quandre Diggs, Texas, Angleton -- Moved into the starting lineup as freshman last year. He will be tested in the pass-happy Big 12.

Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma State, Huntsville -- Explosive and elusive as a kick returner and has moved into the starting lineup at corner.

Craig Loston, LSU, Eisenhower -- Loston was the nation's No. 1 safety coming out of Ike. He has moved up the depth chart to start this season for one of the nation's top defenses.

Others of Note: Josh Hill, Cal, Klein Forest; Eric Rowe, Utah, Klein;  Sam Holl, Baylor, Katy; Sam Carter, TCU, Sharpstown; Steven Campbell, Texas A&M, Jersey Village

SPECIAL TEAMS

Ryan Doerr, Kicker, Kansas State, Katy

Venric Mark, Kick Returner, Northwestern, St. Pius